The Roosters’ shock exit in the opening round of the finals last season sent alarm waves through the club – and their transfer market work reflects that.
The addition of prized signing Brandon Smith, as well as Jake Turpin and Jaxson Paulo, gives the Roosters a leaner, younger look for the new season, and they appear one of the teams to beat.
Sam Walker should continue to develop as the team’s playmaker and James Tedesco shows no signs of slowing down – in a competition full of fine fullbacks, he remains the king.
READ MORE: ‘Dreaded’ curse hanging over South Sydney star
READ MORE: Youngster turns $187m hero ‘into a traffic cone’
READ MORE: ‘It was ridiculous’; Aussie Test debacle shredded
2022 finishing position: 6th
Gains: Brandon Smith (Storm), Jake Turpin (Broncos), Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs), Corey Allan (Bulldogs).
Losses: Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Sam Verrills (Titans), Renouf Atoni (Wakefield).
Best 17
James Tedesco
Daniel Tupou
Paul Momirovski
Joey Manu
Joseph Suaalii
Luke Keary
Sam Walker
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Brandon Smith
Lindsay Collins
Angus Crichton
Nat Butcher
Victor Radley
Bench: Connor Watson, Egan Butcher, Matthew Lodge, Sitili Tupouniua
Best buy
Brandon Smith without doubt – while he can be a bit of a loose cannon off the field, on it he is a dynamic ball runner and/or dummy-half who hurts teams close to their own try line.
Biggest loss
Siosiua Taukeiaho was one of the most underrated forwards in the comp in recent years and did a lot of the grunt work for the pack up front. His presence will be missed.
Greatest strength
The strike power of James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii out wide, coupled with halves Luke Keary and Sam Walker giving them time and space to work their magic. Few clubs in the NRL can match that scoring potential.
Biggest question mark
The Roosters have been hard hit by injuries in recent seasons and with their main men a year older and the game faster than ever, they could again have a big casualty ward derail their campaign.
Man under pressure
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is the heart and soul of the Roosters and a true warrior. But he is slowing down and nearing the end of his career, and referees clearly watch him closer than most.
Predicted 2023 finishing position: 2nd
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Mole: Where the best junior players from 2012 NYC competition are now
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
